Quick Take

A lavishly illustrated insider s look at 80 years of music and culture in Laurel Canyon. Laurel Canyon is a zip code with its own playlist--Sonny & Cher, The Doors, The Turtles, Canned Heat, Monkees, Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne; Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young; Eagles, and Carole King all cultivated their immortal sounds in this L.A.-based musical fraternity. Written by a long-time L.A. resident who knows them all, Canyon of Dreams traces the history of the community and its enduring legacy. Taking an intensely personal approach, it uses a multiple-voice narration based on exclusive interviews with the area's musical elite. Because of their close and long-time connection with Kubernik, some of these stars speak openly for the first time. Eye-opening visually and informationally, this is a book no music lover can be without!Interview highlights include:- For the first time in years, the three surviving Doors talk about performances, recordings, band dynamics, and, of course, Jim Morrison- Randy Meisner reminisces about the Eagles' first gig and the recording of One of These Nights - Graham Nash reflects on life with Joni Mitchell and describes writing Our House - Lou Adler discusses his legendary Sunset Strip venues the Whisky a Go-Go, Roxy Theater, Rainbow Bar & Grill, and Tapestry - Michele Phillips reflects on the Monterey Pop Festival- Slash, a child of the Canyon, details the formation of Guns N' Roses- And much, much more!

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Canyon of Dreams: The Magic and the Music of Laurel Canyon

Introduction

"Canyon of Dreams: The Magic and the Music of Laurel Canyon" is a captivating book that delves into the rich history of music and culture in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles. Written by Harvey Kubernik, a veteran music journalist and long-time resident of the area, this book offers an insider's perspective on the vibrant community that shaped the music industry. With lavishly illustrated pages and exclusive interviews with musical elites, this book is a must-read for music lovers and fans of Laurel Canyon's iconic sound.

About Harvey Kubernik

Harvey Kubernik, the author of "Canyon of Dreams," is a renowned music journalist with extensive knowledge of the Los Angeles music scene. As a resident of West Hollywood and Laurel Canyon, Kubernik has unparalleled access to the sources, personalities, and even the venues that have contributed to the area's musical legacy. His work has been published in various publications, including Melody Maker, The Los Angeles Free Press, Crawdaddy, Musician, Goldmine, MIX, The Los Angeles Times, and MOJO. With his deep understanding of the music industry and his connection to the community, Kubernik brings a unique perspective to this book, offering readers an immersive journey into the world of Laurel Canyon.

Analysis of Views

A comprehensive look at Laurel Canyon's musical history: Readers praise the book for its extensive coverage of Laurel Canyon's musical history, spanning from the 1930s to the early 2000s. The book delves into the origins of the community and its role in shaping the music industry, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the evolution of popular music.
In-depth interviews with musical elites: One of the standout features of "Canyon of Dreams" is its use of multiple-voice narration based on exclusive interviews with musicians who were part of the Laurel Canyon scene. Readers appreciate the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from those who played a significant role in shaping the sound and culture of the area.
Eye-opening visuals and information: The book's lavish illustrations and comprehensive research make it a visually engaging read. Readers appreciate the combination of historical photographs and new images that capture the essence of Laurel Canyon's music scene, providing a unique and immersive experience.
A personal touch: Harvey Kubernik's personal connection to Laurel Canyon adds a layer of authenticity to the book. Readers appreciate his insider knowledge and his ability to weave together stories from various sources, creating a cohesive narrative that captures the spirit of the community.
A nostalgic journey: Many readers find "Canyon of Dreams" to be a nostalgic journey through time, taking them back to a bygone era when music was at the forefront of cultural revolution. The book evokes feelings of nostalgia and appreciation for the artists who made Laurel Canyon's music scene what it was.

Reasons for Recommendation

Comprehensive coverage: The book provides a comprehensive overview of Laurel Canyon's musical history, making it an essential read for anyone interested in popular music from the 1960s to the early 2000s.
Exclusive interviews: The inclusion of interviews with musical elites adds depth and authenticity to the book, allowing readers to gain insights into the personalities and experiences that shaped Laurel Canyon's music scene.
Engaging visuals: The lavish illustrations and historical photographs make "Canyon of Dreams" a visually engaging read, transporting readers back to a time when music was at its peak.
Personal touch: Harvey Kubernik's personal connection to Laurel Canyon adds a unique perspective to the book, making it feel like an intimate journey through a musical community that has left its mark on history.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Disjointed storytelling: Some readers found the book's storytelling style disjointed at times, making it challenging to follow the narrative smoothly. They suggest that a more cohesive structure could have enhanced their reading experience.
Limited focus on specific eras: A few readers felt that the book could have focused more on specific eras or bands within Laurel Canyon's music scene. They appreciated some sections but felt that certain periods were not given enough attention.

Conclusion

"Canyon of Dreams: The Magic and the Music of Laurel Canyon" is a captivating book that offers readers an immersive journey into the world of Laurel Canyon's music scene. With its comprehensive coverage, exclusive interviews, engaging visuals, and personal touch, this book is highly recommended for anyone interested in popular music history or seeking an intimate look at the lives and experiences of musicians who shaped the soundtrack of a generation. While some readers found certain aspects disjointed or wished for more focus on specific eras, overall, "Canyon of Dreams" is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the magic and music that made Laurel Canyon a legendary musical hub.